In a national address on Wednesday, Haiti’s Prime Minister urged gangs to surrender their weapons. “Daily life in Port-au-Prince has become a struggle for survival,” Gary Conille stated. The UN reports that gang violence has resulted in 2,500 casualties, including at least 82 children, in the first three months of the year. Gangs are estimated to control about 80% of the capital.
Conille, who took office in June, vowed to address Haiti’s security, humanitarian, and political challenges. Earlier this month, gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as Barbecue, criticized Conille for not engaging in dialogue with the gangs and called for national talks.
A Multinational Security Support Mission, including police officers from Kenya, Chad, and Benin, is being deployed to assist Haitian authorities in restoring order.